Related Pages

The Vihara

The Vihara is open daily to all devotees and visitors from 9.00am to 9.00pm.
Details regarding the Vihara's activities are displayed on the notice
boards in the main hall. A monk or a lay person will usually be present to give
additional information and assistance to newcomers.

The Library

The Vihara Library is housed in the reception room. This library contains sets
of the Buddhist Canon in English and Asian languages, ola-leaf manuscripts,
bound sets of periodicals, books on Buddhism and related subjects-over 2600
items.

The library is open to students and friends of the London Buddhist Vihara.
Please contact the Vihara to arrange access to the collection.

Bookstall

The bookstall has over 200 titles in paperbacks covering a wide range of
Theravada Buddhism.
Publications include those from Buddhist Publications Society, Kandy, Sri Lanka,
Buddhist Missionary Society, Kuala Lumpur, as well as books published in the
UK.

Please send a Stamped Addressed Envelope (size C5, 23x16cm) for a book list.

Sunday Service

A Buddhist Service is held every Sunday (except during August) from 5.00 pm to
6.00 pm.
Service sheets are provided giving Pali stanzas with English translation.
A short sermon, meditation, chanting and discussion period are part of the
service.

Dana

Due to the keen interest in this devotional expression of generosity by lay
Buddhists, those wishing a special date to offer food and other offerings are
advised to enquire as early as possible.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral care includes Wedding Blessings and Funeral Service.
Visits to the sick and needy at home or in hospital may be arranged.
Facilities are available to schools, educational groups etc to visit the Vihara
by prior arrangement.
Outside talks to schools and faith groups can be arranged.

Festivals

Buddhist festivals are celebrated at the Vihara. Details are displayed in
Calendar of Events and on the notice boards. Details are circulated to all
friends of the Vihara.

Dhamma Class for Children

Sunday

2.00 - 4.30 pm Dhamma classes
6.00 - 7.00 pm Sunday Devotion

Weekly Programme

Tuesday

7.00 - 8.30 pm Advanced Dhamma Class
Topic: Majjhima Nikaya
The discourses of the Buddha spanning a period of 45 years are preserved in the
ancient writings known as the Tipitaka (Three Baskets), of
which the first Pitaka (Basket) is sutta pitaka. In this class,
some of the suttas in the texts known as majjhima Nikaya (middle
length discourses) will be discussed.
Class Tutor - Venerable Kassapa Thero

Tuesday

10 - 11 am Drop-in meditation

Wednesday

7.00pm Vipassana Meditation (Bhavana) Instruction and Practice.
For those without any previous experience, a beginner’s class is also
held.

All meditators - whether beginners or experienced - are welcome to participate
in this all-important practice.
The classes are free of charge, but you may like to make a donation towards the
cost of maintenance of the Vihara.
Recommended Reading: Mindfulness in Plain English - Bhante Henepola Gunaratana

Dress Code when visiting London Buddhist Vihara
Please dress modestly!
Devotees and Visitors are advised to wear decent clothing to cover the body
appropriately when visiting the Vihara. Exposed shoulders, sleeveless tops and
shorts are considered inappropriate and disrespectful.

Yearly recurrent course for beginners - An Introduction to Buddhism

October, Yearly

An 8-week course which started 7pm Monday 7th October 2019 will repeat in
October 2020. Please keep in touch with the Vihara updates on the programme dates.

Dhamma School Links

Rahula Dhamma School at London Buddhist Vihara

Buddharashmi is the website for Rahula Dhamma School at London Buddhist Vihara.
Founded in 1969 Rahula Dhamma School is maintained by the London Buddhist
Vihara.

The London Buddhist Vihara is a leading centre for Theravada Buddhism. Formed
in 1926 by Anagarika Dharmapala, the Vihara was the first Buddhist monastery to
be established outside the continent of Asia.

For the last 48 years the Vihara's Dhamma classes for children have been
conducted without a break. During this period many children have sat for the
examinations conducted by YMBA, Colombo, Sri Lanka, and they have successfully
completed their studies. Besides the practice and study of Dhamma, there are
many expatriate Sri Lankan Buddhists who wish to keep their heritage at the
forefront of their family living. With this in mind, Sinhala language classes
are held for children after the Dhamma class. In past years there has been an
opportunity for students to sit for G.C.E. O/level examinations in Sinhala here
in Britain. Many children have passed the examination.